Israeli Supreme Court Orders Return of Palestinians Displaced by Settlers

Israel's Supreme Court has ordered the state to facilitate the return of three Palestinian residents to their homes in the village of Jalud, near Nablus, within 14 days. The residents claim they were forced to flee their homes due to ongoing harassment, threats, and property damage by Israeli settlers who established an outpost in the area since April. The court mandated that the IDF provide security for their return and allow the transport of necessary equipment for repairing homes and infrastructure.

The petitioners allege that since April, settlers have invaded their land, erected a tent, blocked roads, thrown stones, damaged property and infrastructure, cut off water supplies, uprooted trees, grazed livestock on private land, and set a car on fire. Access to their homes was reportedly blocked by large stones. The situation escalated on July 22 when two residents were forced to leave their homes, and have not returned since. The petitioners also presented a video showing Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers in the courtyard of one of the homes, reportedly playing soccer.

An IDF officer explained that the soldiers involved were reinforcements unfamiliar with procedures and have since been removed from combat duty. The state argued that it has taken measures, including deploying border police, reinforcing procedures, issuing area closure orders, establishing task forces, and allocating forces to address nationalist crimes. They also stated that eight enforcement actions have been taken against the outpost since its establishment in April 2026.

However, the Supreme Court expressed strong dissatisfaction with the enforcement efforts, questioning why vehicles used by the Israelis were not confiscated and what actions were being taken against identified individuals. The court described the situation as "very grim" and noted that the response provided raises "real difficulties." The state was ordered to detail measures to prevent the Israelis' return, address their evasion of forces, and explain investigative actions against those detained or identified.

The court also requested updates on specific incidents, including the seizure of a vehicle carrying construction materials, weapons, and pepper spray, and the arrest of an individual near the outpost. The state countered that the situation on the ground is complex, with attempts to thwart enforcement and the rapid mobilization of additional individuals by settlers. A conditional order was also issued, requiring the state to explain why it is not actively working to return the residents and remove obstacles from access roads. The state must submit a response by October 8, with updates on the residents' return due by September 22.